Just Another Step

The most constant montra preached by Coach Estes throughout this roller coaster season has been "this is just another step." Though one of his favorite movies is, I'm almost positive, the classic Bill Murray film, "What About Bob," where Bob, played by the now versatile Murray learns to overcome his hang-ups, which include everything from germaphobia to the habit of spontaneous and meaningless cursing by employing the simple technique of "baby steps" ("baby step to the door. Baby step onto the sidewald. Baby step onto the bus."), I don't think that is what inspired Coach to preach this message. "This is just another step," was not only a statement for our season and something he said before and after each game, but a statement for life and the continuing saga that it is. That is what Coach believes because he's lived life to the fullest and realizes that every minute, every conversation, every task accomplished or failed "is just another step," in this walk of life. And that is the way the purple pigs of the greatest town on earth, Walhalla, South Carolina, went about their impressive season. They relished the victories and suffered through the losses. But the next practice or game following was always a new day and their heads didn't get too big and neither did despair set in. They suffered injuries, tamale capers, gale force winds, multiple-personality disorders, playing on a beach, crazed, bearded leprachaun shenanigans, insults from hillbillies, yuppies and two girls at McDonald's in Pickens, McDonald's hamburgers, dehydration tactics in Worstminster, bad referees, worse referees, referees that double as horse jockeys, and much, much more with humor, togetherness, and by singing rousing renditions of "Sponge-Bob Square Pants" to sooth their embattled souls.

Coach Mike commented the other day that he has never been apart of a team that had such a high level of commeraderie and good will toward each member of the team. These razorbacks are a true family; and that closeness was obvious from the time they started working out in October through all the bus trips, games and practices until the end of the season. You are a rare bunch of young men and a joy for Coach Estes and myself to be a part of. You have taught us much.

Though all of us will be sad to know that the six oldest brothers from our family will be moving on and exploring the unknown regions of what is beyond "the Beach" and Walhalla High School, we know that they are all "just taking another step." Their steps are going to now be in a different direction, but we will always be linked together in our walk of life because of what we have gone through together.

We bid farewell to Tom "Finchy" Warner and thank him for teaching us about diligence and hard work and always having a desire to improve. We say adios to Andrew "The Jet" Broome and thank him for letting us in on the secret that he is left footed and loves to play hot, scorching balls into the box for people to tee off on. We bid adieu to Daniel Van der Ginn, who has now changed his name to the more American sounding Daniel Guinn, to the shagrin of his lovely parents, and thank him for his quiet leadership and what he showed us about being a true sportsman even in the face of insults. Oh and also how to be frugal when dining on the road. We say sayonara to Eric "Moxie" Moxley and thank him for showing us how to take a hard criticism and go out and become better and not bitter about it. We say, catch ya on the flip side good buddy to Cory "Captain Clutch" Champion, and thank him for teaching us all about fashion sense and for his pithy suggestions and contributions to this blog. I have to credit him with the whole plethora of different beards idea. Very funny stuff. Maybe you'll write your own blog someday. And last but not least, we say aloha to Michael "the mad hatter" Calderra for teaching us about being a team player and always being ready when called on. You had a great little season. We send you off with all the love in our hearts. Come back and visit us often and keep us in the loop of your life always. Good luck and God bless you all.

Here is to an eventful and spectacular season purple pigs. Good luck this summer. Also, a hearty thanks goes out to all the parents of the players, other family members, students, faculty, people who helped in concessions and at the gate and in other ways not seen but felt. And a special note of gratitude goes out to Mikes wife Laura, and his kids Thad, Mary Grace and Lydia, and to my wife Lindsay, and my kids Isaiah, Ira, Jude and little Jack for being so supportive and for sacrificing some of our time together for the program. You are what keeps us going and we love you with all of our hearts.

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